There's a Party in my Tummy...So Yummy, So Yummy!

Sorry for the Yo Gabba Gabba reference, but I made the best dang dessert last night...it really was a party in my tummy. We had hilarious company, little kids for our kids to play with, and an outstanding cup of sweet chocolaty goodness. I'm so nice that I will totally share the recipe:

Hot Chocolate Pudding

Orange Whipped Cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1/8 tsp. grated orange zest
(I totally doubled this portion of the recipie - it is awesome!)

Pudding
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 T. cornstarch
3/4 cup milk (I used 2%)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 pinch salt
9 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 T. unsalted butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a small bow, with a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream, sugar and orange zest until soft peaks form Refrigerate while making pudding. (YOU MUST DO THIS FIRST!!)

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; whisk in milk, cream and salt until blended. Cook over medium heat, whisking gently, just until mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove pan from heat; stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla until smooth. With a handheld electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat until light and fluffy. Divide pudding into 4 (6 oz.) ramekins; top each with a dollop of Orange Whipped Cream. Serve immediately.

The pudding will still be warm when it is served, and it is so rich that a little goes a long way. I filled the ramekins (you can use small bowls or whatever you have handy) 2/3 full and it totally hit the spot. That served 4 adults and there was plenty left over for three little ones to have pudding too. So Good!